Kolkata, 25 July (H.S.): Political tensions resurfaced in Kolkata on Saturday over a proposed programme by a section of Trinamool Congress leaders and workers in solidarity with the ongoing agitation in Delhi over the alleged NEET question paper leak.

The programme was reportedly advised to be deferred after the organisers did not receive administrative permission. However, a section of TMC leaders and workers began gathering in the Padmapukur area at the scheduled time. A large police contingent was deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

According to the police, permission for the gathering had not been granted as the organisers had not obtained prior approval. The police said intervention became necessary when attempts were allegedly made to proceed with the programme despite the lack of permission.

The protesters, however, alleged that the administration was deliberately obstructing a peaceful democratic programme and accused the police of taking a stringent approach for political reasons.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached Padmapukur in the afternoon, following which tension in the area reportedly escalated further. According to eyewitness accounts, an argument broke out between police personnel and protesters, after which the situation became increasingly tense.

Police subsequently detained several leaders and party workers. According to TMC sources, those detained included Kunal Ghosh and Baishwanar Chattopadhyay, among others.

The Trinamool Congress alleged that the action was aimed at suppressing dissent and claimed that the constitutional right to peaceful protest had been curtailed. The police, on the other hand, maintained that the measures were taken to maintain law and order and prevent any possible escalation.

The incident has intensified the political confrontation in West Bengal. While the TMC has criticised the administration’s handling of the programme, the police have maintained that all necessary steps were taken in accordance with the law.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey